The Brazil international moved to the Etihad Stadium from Shakhtar Donetsk this summer in a £34 million deal, having helped the Ukrainian champions to the knockout stages of Europe's elite cup competition twice in the last three seasons.

City, meanwhile, have been knocked out in the group stages in both of their two Champions League campaigns and the 28-year-old is keen to do better in 2013-14.

"I hope it will be an excellent performance from City in the competition," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"That would motivate the supporters and lead us to the final games of the competition. A cup would be incredible and the best in Europe? I believe we can do it."

The midfielder was new City boss Manuel Pellegrini's second signing of the summer, following the acquisition of Sevilla winger Jesus Navas, and is already looking forward to linking up with his new team-mates.

"What I really want is to play as soon as possible for City," he added.

"They are excellent players with great stories in football but the reality is it doesn't matter who we play against - all I want is to play and help City to win."